The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-10-28
Ladies' Department.
Keep the Boys Happy.

ASSP tnS buys happy.
In the course of vacation,
spent few days in two families, and
the contrast in the way they manag-
ed their children was so striking,
that | cannot refrain from noting
them down for the consideration of
parents.
Mr.. Ashley was well.to dc. farm
er; he had an abundance of this
worlds goods, good farm, fine cat
tie, splendid horses and very COM
Portable house; nothing magnificent
in building or furnishing, but neat
and pretty. The two eldest child
rem were daughters, and we're nice
tidy, polite girls; then there were
five boys, from fourteen years OF
age down to five-bright, wide awake
little fellows, but more riotous,
disorderly set of urchins l never
saw in one house. 1t was perfect
Bedlam from the time they were out
of their beds in the morning till
they were sent to their rooms at
night. They were out of school for
two months vacation, and do be-
lieve there was not an hour in the
day that the mother did not exclaim
81 shall be glad when you are off at
school again!'
The girls were fretting at and
scolding them continually, and l do
not believe pleasant word was Civ
en- them the livelong day. 1 was
sorry for them all; the boys were
not happy, the mother was miser-
able, and the sisters wretched, and
must say it was positive relief
when they were sent to bed, so there
could be a little quiet. Of course
having company the parlor was open.
ed, but not one of the boys was al
lowed to put his feet on the carpet;
they could come and peep in at the
door, but sharp "Clear out" or
loud '''Keepin the kitchen, you boys"
would send them with a heavy STAN
pede through the hall, making as
much racket as lot of colts. At
the table all was confusion, and l
abridged my visit to as short space
as etiquette would allow, after &C
cepting an invitation to spend
week with my old schoolmate. She
was so sadly changed from bright,
merry girl, to a sad, fretful woman,
that l was glad to go, in hope of
finding more congenial stopping
place where there were no boys to
keep up rumpus all the time.
Ny next visit was to my room
mate, when we were in the seminary
together. Mr.. Stanton met me at
the depot-a pleasant, genial looking
man, and gave me cordial welcome.
My wife would have come with me,
he said, but she thought hot sup
per would he more beneficial to YOU
after your long ride than half an
hour of her company" After seat
ing me and arranging things COM
Portable. he turned round: "My lit
tie boy wanted TO come for the ride
and he is such little shaver | knew
we should not be crowded. and /
always like to make the little people
happy" and he tossed brown eyed
four-year'old boy into the carriage,
saying as he seated himself, "Here
Bobby, SIT on papa's knee"
"Oh, there is plenty of room be-
tween US on the seat" 1 said Do
you like to ride my little man?
Eyes mama, very much,' he an
swered glanclng into my face. Not
another word did he speak till we
drove through the gate up to the
porch, when he said. There is nam.
ma waiting for US.
Eighteen years had not wrought
much change in Mrs. Stanton, There
was just little frost visible anono
her brown hair, but her brow was
just as smooth. and her smile lust as
sweet, as in the olden time when we
were girls together. Very soon sup
per was on the table. In perfect or.
der six rosy checked boys gath
cred to their places, little Bobby sit.
ting in a high chair by Mr.. Stanton.
"These are not all yours, May?r
l exclaimed as they ranged along the
whole side of the long table, with
folded hands.
81 own every one of them, and the
seventh son-the Doctor, you know
is asleep in his CRADLE" and she
gave merry laugh, as she saw nv
look of surprise Goodness me! and
you look SO young and happyr'
81 am lust YOUR ace. | am hapnu
l have pleasant home, a kind hus-
band, and blessed children, but no
daughter. Our little May, between
Bobby and the Doctor, died when
only year old; we missed her so
much and her eyes glistened with
unshed tears, as spoke.
Not child's voice was heard
through the whole meal. The parents
supplied their wants, and we chatted
as cheerfully as if there had been no
children present A pleasant look
ing girl took the little one from b;s